OK, once you've made sure that you have oiled the shaft and made sure that everything's out of the way, the last resort is to lay down in the back and (without stomping the cargo net) kick the seat back forward... not too hard. I had to do this what I first got the wagon. The previous owner didn't fold the seats down much apparently.

Al

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03 CLK430 Cabrio 211K Pweter Silver/ Oyster Leather
90 300SEL 214k Pearl Black/ Alto Grey/Black Leather

Prior: 85 190E, 88 300TE, 89 300TE, 90 300E 2.6, 90 300TE, 92 300E 2.6, 91 and 93 300SL, 87 Ferrari Mondial Cabrio